Food, wine and good tunes filled the air at the Mann Biomedical Park Saturday as thousands of people took in the sights at this year’s Taste of the Town event.

The annual event raises money for the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center to benefit children and families with emotional issues or abuse.

“This is one of the most important events that we do all year,” said Child & Family Center Foundation President Lois Bauccio.

The Child & Family Center works with children and their families to get past mental and behavioral health obstacles that eventually break families apart.

“Our goal is to keep families together,” she said.

Since 1976, a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers have provided mental health services to the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Even though the day is indeed fabulous, it is important to remember that today there are other people who are struggling with deep depression, confusing emotional turmoil, dark and dangerous thoughts of suicide or violence and more,” Bauccio said.

“Kids come into this world often with problems,” she said. “They may suffer from some trauma or other experiences such as child abuse.”

Taste of the Town has served as the center’s largest fundraiser for more than 20 years, inviting residents to enjoy a weekend of good weather as well as tasty edibles, wine, beer and margaritas from more than 40 SCV vendors.

“It’s a great chance to be in the community and see our customers,” said Steve Youlios, owner of the local Jersey Mike’s restaurant.

“There are so many great people out here,” said Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar.

“Everyone converges on the area, the people that you know throughout the community, it’s fun to be here for a great and worthy cause,” he said.

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